The Cebu Regional Football Association (CRFA) Under-16 squad is set for a major challenge as they embark on their quest for national glory. The team departs on Friday, January 16, 2026, for San Carlos City to participate in the highly competitive Philippine Football Federation (PFF) U16 Boys National Championship Regional Qualifiers.
Tournament Schedule and Opponents
The young Cebuano booters will face a tough lineup of regional rivals in the Visayas qualifiers. Their campaign in San Carlos City will see them compete against the host Negros Occidental Regional Football Association (NORFA), the Eastern Visayas Regional Football Association (EVRFA), the Negros Oriental-Siquijor Regional Football Association (NOSIRFA), and the Iloilo-Guimaras Regional Football Association (IGRFA).
The team's opening match is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, against NOSIRFA. They will then take on EVRFA on Monday, January 20, followed by a clash with IGRFA on Tuesday, January 21. The CRFA squad will wrap up their qualifying campaign against the host team, NORFA, on Friday, January 23.
Meet the CRFA U16 Squad and Coaching Staff
The roster is primarily composed of talented players from Don Bosco Boy’s Home, showcasing the institution's strong football program. The players representing CRFA are:
- Kent Ivan Malazarte
- Clark Josol
- Joseph Aeron Beralde
- Latrell Bonjoc
- William Maglasang
- Serge Angelo Dingding
- Yuan Alexis Perales
- Akioh Relator
- Juffrey Abrio
- Froilan Del Rosario
- John Evans Remulta
- Aeron Pepito
- Gian Edric Alfante
- Kurt Andre Toledo
- Jeve Velasco
- Flint Jurie Timbangan
- Jeshua Manuel Tadle
- Russelito Bucag
- Sean Lao
The team is further strengthened by reinforcements from other Cebu schools: Kadin Dee Camilon from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, and Joseph Joring Jr., Ayn Gabriel Quidlat, and Ayn Sebastian Quidlat from Abellana National School.
Guidance from the Sidelines
Leading the young squad is head coach Jun-Jun Pintuan. He is supported by assistant coach Marcelo Ouano and goalkeeping coach Mikel Bonjoc. The delegation is completed by kitman Alexander Perales, team manager Grecelyn del Rosario, and CRFA representative Engr. Nilo Ferraren.
This tournament represents a crucial step for these aspiring footballers. Success in the PFF U16 National Championship Regional Qualifiers in San Carlos City could propel them to the national stage, marking a significant milestone in their young athletic careers and highlighting the growing talent pool in Cebuano football.
